U.S. patent application number 17/102246 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for motorized mount for seating system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Purdue Research Foundation. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Ackerman, Bradley S. Duerstock.
Application Number | 20210093494 17/102246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005315101 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210093494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duerstock; Bradley S. ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
MOTORIZED MOUNT FOR SEATING SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure illustrates a motorized mount with a
plurality of degrees of freedom coupled to a seating system. The
motorized mount assembly can include an attachment assembly
configured to attach to a seating assembly. A vertical control
assembly can be connected to the attachment assembly with an arm
having a first end attached to vertical control assembly by a first
hinge. A mounting assembly can be attached to a second end of the
arm. The mounting assembly can configured to receive a personal
computing device. A linear actuator may be attached to the vertical
control assembly to raise and lower the arm and mounting assembly.
A first motor can be configured to attach to the arm. A second
motor can be configured to attach between the arm and the mounting
assembly.
Inventors: |
Duerstock; Bradley S.; (West
Lafayette, IN) ; Ackerman; Jeffrey; (Arvada,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Purdue Research Foundation |
West Lafayette |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005315101 |
Appl. No.: |
17/102246 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16007638 |
Jun 13, 2018 |
10842693 |
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17102246 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/00 20130101;
A47C 21/003 20130101; A61G 5/10 20130101; A61G 2203/16
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 5/10 20060101
A61G005/10; A47C 21/00 20060101 A47C021/00 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made with government support under
GM096842 awarded by the National Institutes of Health and 1520098
awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has
certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A motorized mount comprising; an attachment assembly configured
to attach to an armrest of a seating assembly; an arm having a
first end attached to the attachment assembly by a first hinge, the
first hinge configured to allow the arm to rotate in a horizontal
plane; a mounting assembly attached to a second end of the arm by a
second hinge, the second hinge configured to allow the mounting
assembly to rotate in a vertical plane to adjust the tilt of
mounting assembly, the mounting assembly configured to receive a
personal computing device; a first motor configured to attach to
the arm and configured to move the arm in a horizontal plane; and a
second motor configured to attach between the arm and the mounting
assembly and configured to adjust a tilt position of the mounting
assembly; and an electrical control unit operatively connected to
the linear actuator, the first motor and the second motor, the
control unit configured to control the operation of the linear
actuator, the first motor, and the second motor.
2. The motorized mount of claim 1 further comprising; an input
switch configured to control the linear actuator, the first motor
and the second motor, and the arm and computer device to a deployed
position or a retracted position.
3. The motorized mount of claim 2, wherein the switch is a single
throw double pole switch, a single push button switch, two separate
push button switches, a head array switch, a sip and puff switch, a
brain-controlled interface, a voice recognition switch, a gesture
recognition switch, or a touch screen interface.
4. The motorized mount of claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket is
configured to attach to a wheelchair, furniture, or bed.
5. The motorized mount of claim 4, wherein the mounting bracket
comprises a spring loaded quick release mounting bracket.
6. The motorized mount of claim 1, wherein the computer device is a
tablet, smartphone, camera, laptop, or alternative or augmentative
communication device.
7. The motorized mount of claim 1, wherein a battery power source
integral to the seating assembly is connected to the electrical
control unit to provide power to the electrical control unit.
8. The motorized mount of claim 1, further comprising a mounting
arm coupled to the attachment assembly, wherein the arm is
pivotably coupled to the mounting arm.
9. The motorized mount of claim 8, further comprising a parallel
four-bar linkage connected to the attachment assembly and the
mounting arm, wherein a linear actuator is attached to the four-bar
linkage to raise and lower the arm and mounting assembly.
10. The motorized mount of claim 9, further comprising; an input
switch configured to control the linear actuator, the first motor
and the second motor, and configured to move the four-bar linkage,
the arm and computer device to a deployed position or a retracted
position.
11. The motorized mount of claim 10, wherein the switch is a single
throw double pole switch, a single push button switch, two separate
push button switches, a head array switch, a sip and puff switch, a
brain-controlled interface, a voice recognition switch, a gesture
recognition switch, or a touch screen interface.
12. The motorized mount of claim 11, wherein the linear actuator is
configured to move the mounting assembly in a first degree of
freedom in a deploying manner, wherein the first degree of freedom
comprises the vertical movement along a vertical axis.
13. The motorized mount of claim 12, wherein the first motor is
configured to move the arm in a second degree of freedom along a
horizontal plane having about a 360 degree rotation movement around
a vertical axis formed at the first hinge.
14. The motorized mount of claim 13, wherein the second motor is
configured to move the mounting assembly in a third degree of
freedom along a vertical plane having about a 360 degree rotation
movement around a horizontal axis formed by the arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This U.S. Continuation-In-Part Patent Application claims
priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/007,638
filed Jun. 13, 2018 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application 62/518,662 filed Jun. 13, 2017, the disclosure of which
is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention described herein pertains to a motorized mount
for a seating system, and specifically to a mount system with a
plurality of degrees of freedom controlled electronically.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Computing devices may be used for a variety of
communication, educational, occupational, and entertainment
purposes and, as such, have become an important part of daily life.
Furthermore, mobile computing devices may enable persons with
disabilities, including wheelchair users, to be more independent
and productive wherever they go. Persons with disabilities are
often limited to using their computing devices only at a specific
location (e.g., their home or office), rather than being able to
employ these devices wherever they are. For quadriplegics, the
ability to readily access their computing devices when and where
needed has been problematic. A quadriplegic has little or no
movement in their arms to carry or retrieve computing devices from
a book bag, pocket, or case.
[0005] Wheelchairs typically do not provide a convenient space or
location to store a computing device so that it does not impede the
motion of the wheelchair or its user. Powered wheelchair users,
particularly those with upper extremity disabilities, currently do
not have any way to automatically place computing devices on or
about their laps for use and then to retract when not needed. Many
commercial wheelchair mounts are rigidly affixed to the wheelchair
and must be physically repositioned or removed by someone else in
order to go underneath tables or to transfer out of the wheelchair.
Swinging away a tray or platform of a mount can be difficult for
someone with limited hand or arm strength or dexterity.
Additionally, even when the tray is in its retracted position, the
mount may still cause an impediment to the wheelchair when
positioned under tables or through narrow doorways. Therefore,
improvements are needed in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a motorized
mount assembly for use with a seating assembly. The motorized mount
assembly can include an attachment assembly configured to attach to
a left or right side of a seating assembly. A parallel four-bar
linkage can be connected to the attachment assembly with an arm
having a first end attached to the four-bar linkage by a first
hinge, the first hinge configured to allow the arm to rotate in a
horizontal plane. A mounting assembly can be attached to a second
end of the arm by a second hinge, the second hinge may be
configured to allow the mounting assembly to rotate in a vertical
plane to adjust the tilt of mounting assembly. The mounting
assembly can be configured to receive a personal computing device,
such as a table, phone or computer. A linear actuator may be
attached to the four-bar linkage to raise and lower the arm and
mounting assembly along a vertical axis. A first motor can be
configured to attach to the arm and configured to move the arm in a
horizontal plane. The motor can be configured to move the arm
around a rotational axis about 360.degree.. A second motor can be
configured to attach between the arm and the mounting assembly and
configured to adjust a tilt position of the mounting assembly. An
electrical control unit can be operatively connected configured to
control to the linear actuator, the first motor and the second
motor.
[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
motorized mount assembly for use with a seating assembly. The
motorized mount assembly can include an attachment assembly
configured to attach to a left or right side of a seating assembly.
A vertical control assembly can be connected to the attachment
assembly with an arm having a first end attached to vertical
control assembly by a first hinge, the first hinge configured to
allow the arm to rotate in a horizontal plane. A mounting assembly
can be attached to a second end of the arm by a second hinge, the
second hinge may be configured to allow the mounting assembly to
rotate in a vertical plane to adjust the tilt of mounting assembly.
The mounting assembly can be configured to receive a personal
computing device, such as a table, phone or computer. A linear
actuator may be attached to the vertical control assembly to raise
and lower the arm and mounting assembly along a vertical axis. A
first motor can be configured to attach to the arm and configured
to move the arm in a horizontal plane. The motor can be configured
to move the arm around a rotational axis about 360.degree.. A
second motor can be configured to attach between the arm and the
mounting assembly and configured to adjust a tilt position of the
mounting assembly. An electrical control unit can be operatively
connected configured to control to the linear actuator, the first
motor and the second motor.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure is related to a
motorized mount assembly for use with a seating assembly with an
armrest. The motorized mount assembly can include an attachment
assembly configured to attach to a left or right armrest of a
seating assembly. The attachment assembly can be attached to an arm
having a first end with a first hinge which is configured to allow
the arm to rotate in a horizontal plane. A mounting assembly can be
attached to a second end of the arm by a second hinge, the second
hinge may be configured to allow the mounting assembly to rotate in
a vertical plane to adjust the tilt of mounting assembly. The
mounting assembly can be configured to receive a personal computing
device, such as a table, phone or computer. A first motor can be
configured to attach to the arm and configured to move the arm in a
horizontal plane. The motor can be configured to move the arm
around a rotational axis about 360.degree.. A second motor can be
configured to attach between the arm and the mounting assembly and
configured to adjust a tilt position of the mounting assembly. An
electrical control unit can be operatively connected configured to
control to the linear actuator, the first motor and the second
motor. The vertical height of the mounting system above the seat
can be adjusted by using an L- or U-shaped arm for the second arm,
or by attaching a four bar linkage with a linear actuator to adjust
the vertical height of the first arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The concepts described in the present disclosure are
illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the
accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration,
elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to
scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be
exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where
considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among
the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The
detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying
figures in which:
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in fully retracted position.
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in a first intermediate
position.
[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in a second intermediate
position.
[0013] FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in a third intermediate
position.
[0014] FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in a fourth intermediate
position.
[0015] FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure in fully deployed position.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a first intermediate position.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a second intermediate position.
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 10.
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a third intermediate position.
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 14.
[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 14.
[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 14.
[0032] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a fourth intermediate position.
[0033] FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 18.
[0034] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 18.
[0036] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a fully deployed position.
[0037] FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 22.
[0038] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 22.
[0039] FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 22.
[0040] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a fully retracted position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0041] FIG. 27 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 26.
[0042] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a first intermediate position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0043] FIG. 29 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 28.
[0044] FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a second intermediate position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0045] FIG. 31 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 30.
[0046] FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a third intermediate position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0047] FIG. 33 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 32.
[0048] FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a fourth intermediate position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0049] FIG. 35 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 34.
[0050] FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair, wherein
the motorized mount is in a fully retracted position with the
railing system mounted in a vertical orientation.
[0051] FIG. 37 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 36.
[0052] FIG. 38 is a schematic electrical diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of the control system of the motorized mount of the
present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 39 is a diagram of a control system of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of the present disclosure coupled to a wheelchair.
[0055] FIG. 41 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 40.
[0056] FIG. 42 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 40.
[0057] FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of FIG. 40, wherein the motorized mount is in a first
intermediate position.
[0058] FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of FIG. 40, wherein the motorized mount is in a second
intermediate position.
[0059] FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount of FIG. 40, wherein the motorized mount is in a fully
deployed position.
[0060] FIG. 46 is a front view of FIG. 45.
[0061] FIG. 47 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 46.
[0062] FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount with an L-shaped second arm of the present disclosure coupled
to a wheelchair.
[0063] FIG. 49 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
motorized mount of FIG. 48 in a first intermediate position.
[0064] FIG. 50 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 48 when fully deployed.
[0065] FIG. 51 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount with a height adjusting four-bar linkage of the present
disclosure in fully retracted position.
[0066] FIG. 52 illustrates a front view of the motorized mount of
FIG. 44.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible
to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the present disclosure.
[0068] The present disclosure relates generally to a motorized
mount for a wheelchair, which may be used to automatically deploy
and retract a computing device (e.g., a tablet, a laptop, or other
mobile computing device) coupled to an articulating arm. The
motorized mount is configured to attach to a manual or powered
wheelchair and to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1)
not excessively exceeding the width of the wheelchair to allow
passage through standard doorways, (2) being easily attachable to
and removable from the wheelchair with simple (or no) tools, (3)
not impeding a wheelchair user from transferring into or out of the
wheelchair, (4) being operable with a single switch, and (5) not
interfering with the standard seat movements or functions of
advanced powered wheelchairs with tilting, reclining, standing, and
elevating seat functions.
[0069] According to one aspect, a motorized mount 10 is configured
to operate according to a plurality of degrees of freedom.
Specifically illustrated in FIG. 1A-1F, and more specifically in
FIG. 2-25 are three separate degrees of freedom, allowing the
motorized mount to deploy and adjust for the user, and retract to a
position which does not hinder any other function of the seating
system.
[0070] The motorized mount 10 can be coupled to a seating system.
FIG. 1A illustrates a motorized mount 10 coupled to a wheelchair
12. The motorized mount 10 is illustrated as coupled to a right
side of the wheelchair 12, although the motorized mount 10 may be
alternatively mounted on a left side of the wheelchair 12 in other
embodiments. Furthermore, the mount may additionally be mounted to
various parts of the wheelchair through an attachment assembly 14.
In some exemplary embodiments as shown in FIGS. 20-52 the motorized
mount can be coupled to an armrest 4. The motorized mount 10
includes an attachment assembly 14 (see FIG. 12) which attaches to
the side of the wheelchair as shown, a parallel four-bar linkage
assembly 16, which may include on or more arms, such as a first arm
6 and a second arm 7, connecting the attachment assembly 14 to an
arm 17 via a first hinge 60 (see FIG. 11, a linear actuator 18
which drives the linkage assembly to raise and lower the arm 17, a
first motor assembly 20 which connects to a first end of the arm to
rotate the arm in a horizontal plane, a mounting assembly 22 (see
FIG. 11) connected to a second end of the arm via a second hinge
62, the mounting assembly configured to receive a computing device
such as an electronic tablet, a second motor assembly 21 to rotate
the mounting assembly in a vertical fashion (i.e., tilt), and an
electrical control assembly 24 operatively connected to the linear
actuator 18 and the motors 20 and 21. In another exemplary
embodiment, the mounting assembly 22 can be couple directly to the
driveshaft 64 of the second motor 21 and the second motor can
rotate the mounting assembly 22 around an axis formed by the drive
shaft 64. The mounting assembly can be used to house a personal
computing device 8, such as a tablet, smartphone,
[0071] FIGS. 2-5 shows the motorized mount in a stored position,
with the top edge of the mount 10 positioned below the seating
surface. As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the linear actuator is first
activated by the control assembly 24 to drive the four-bar linkage
assembly 16, thereby raising the arm 17 and the mounting assembly
22. The linear actuator can control the vertical movement of the
arm 17 along the y-axis and control the height of the arm 17. As
shown in FIG. 10-13, in the next step, the first motor 20 and
second motor 21 are driven to rotate the arm 17 (horizontally) and
the mounting assembly 22 (vertically). The first motor can be used
to rotate the arm and outing assembly around a first axis (A),
wherein the first motor allows for a rotation around the vertical
axis in about 360.degree.. The second motor 21 can be used to
rotate the mounting assembly around a horizontal axis (B) to adjust
the orientation of the mounting assembly 22 based on a user's
preference or based upon a pre-set determination. As shown in FIG.
14-17, the linear actuator 18 continues to drive the linkage
assembly until a final height is reached, preferably above the
user's thigh when seated in the seating system. The first motor
completes rotation to 180 degrees and the second motor completes
rotation to 90 degrees as shown. As shown in FIG. 18-21, the first
motor then rotates the arm 17 an additional 90 degrees to position
the mounting assembly in front of the user and above their thigh.
Lastly, the second motor may be further rotated up to an additional
90 degrees vertically based on user input from a control switch
operatively coupled to the control unit 24 to achieve a desired
tilt or device viewing angle as shown in FIG. 22-25. The control
unit 24 can be coupled to a power source 300, including but not
limited to a battery.
[0072] An input switch may be mounted on an armrest of the seating
system. Depending on the input switch it may be mounted in
different locations on the seating system to be accessible to a
user. The input switch is coupled to the linear actuator 18 and
motor assemblies 20 and 21 by the electrical control unit. The
linear actuator 18 can have an extension arm 19 having a first end
and a second. The first end can be proximate to the end of the
actuator. The second end can be coupled to first arm 6 of the
linkage assembly 16. When the actuator is activated, the arm 19 can
extend outwards causing the arm 17 and mounting assembly 22 to move
vertically along an axis.
[0073] The motorized mount 10 may be coupled to the wheelchair 12
by the attachment assembly 14 using any number of mechanisms. In
the illustrative embodiment, a mounting bracket 26 (see FIG. 12) of
the attachment assembly 14 is coupled to a seating system of the
wheelchair 12. One example includes a number of bolts placed
through a number of holes formed in the mounting bracket 26 to
secure it to the wheelchair 12. Many powered wheelchairs have side
rails (such as fail 27) for mounting accessories. In certain
embodiments, the attachment assembly 14 and/or the mounting bracket
26 may be mounted to such mounting rails 27. Certain embodiments
may also include a spring-loaded quick release mounting bracket
which is attached to the side of the wheelchair and into which the
attachment assembly 14 can be mounted. The mounting assembly 22 (as
well as any other components of the motorized mount 10) may
comprise any durable substance, such as aluminum, titanium, iron,
steel, resin, or the like. It will be appreciated that the
attachment of the motorized mount 10 will vary according to the
style of wheelchair 12 and/or the seating system used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that adjustments may be made to
the motorized mount 10, including the mounting bracket 26, to fit
different brands and models of wheelchairs 12 (as well as other
seating systems).
[0074] Where an alternative input device (e.g. a sip and puff, a
touch switch, a magnetic switch, electromyography, etc.) is used in
place of the input switch, the motorized mount 10 may include an
electronic controller for interpreting signals from the alternative
input device. This controller might process other signals related
to the wheelchair 12 as well (e.g., a video feed from a camera
mounted on the chair). It is contemplated that the motorized mount
10 may be powered by either the batteries of the wheelchair 12 or
an external power source, including, but not limited to, separate
batteries, solar power, or kinetic power.
[0075] FIGS. 26-37 illustrate a further embodiment wherein the
four-bar linkage is replaced with a vertically adjustable sliding
assembly 30 (see FIG. 29) which is driving by a linear actuator 32.
The sliding assembly 30 can be coupled to the rail 27 using the
attachment assembly 14, which in some embodiments can house the
sliding assembly. The vertically adjustable sliding assembly 30 can
further include a second rail 63 and a mounting bracket, wherein
the mounting bracket 65 is coupled to linear actuator 32. The
mounting bracket 65 can be coupled to or include and extension
bracket 67 that allows for the first motor 20 mounted to it to
provide a pivot of the arm 17 at the hinge 60. FIGS. 26 and 27 show
the motorized mount in a stored position, with the top edge of the
mount 10 positioned below the seating surface. As shown in FIGS. 28
and 29, the linear actuator 32 may first be activated by the
control assembly 24 to drive the sliding assembly 30, thereby
raising the arm 17 and the mounting assembly 22. As shown in FIGS.
30 and 31, in the next step, the first motor 20 and second motor 21
are driven to rotate the arm 17 (horizontally) and the mounting
assembly 22 (vertically). As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the linear
actuator 32 continues to drive the sliding assembly until a final
height is reached, preferably above the user's thigh when seated in
the seating system. The first motor completes rotation to 180
degrees and the second motor completes rotation to 90 degrees as
shown. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the first motor then rotates
the arm 17 an additional 90 degrees to position the mounting
assembly in front of the user and above their thigh. Lastly, the
second motor may be further rotated up to an additional 90 degrees
vertically based on user input from a control switch operatively
coupled to the control unit to achieve a desired tilt or device
viewing angle as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.
[0076] FIGS. 40-46 illustrate a further embodiment of a motorized
mount is configured to operate according to a plurality of degrees
of freedom. In some exemplary embodiments, the mount allows form
two separate degrees of freedom, allowing the motorized mount 10 to
deploy and adjust for the user, and retract to a position which
does not hinder any other function of the seating system. The
motorized mount can be coupled to a seating system 12, such as a
wheelchair as shown in FIG. 40. The motorized mount 10 may be
coupled to the wheelchair 12 by the attachment assembly 14 using
any number of mechanisms. In some embodiment, the attachment
assembly 14 can extend perpendicular from an arm rest 4 of the
seating assembly 12. One example includes a number of bolts placed
through a number of holes formed in the mounting bracket 26 to
secure it to the wheelchair 12. Other quick-release mechanism can
be implemented so that the system can be removed from the seating
system quickly if necessary. The attachment assembly can also be
attached with one or more screws, clamps, magnets, or adhesive.
[0077] Additionally, a mounting arm 15 can extend from the
attachment assembly 14 to allow for the pivotably connection of the
arm 17 to the mounting arm. In some exemplary embodiments, the
mounting arm can extend perpendicularly from the attachment
assembly 14. The motorized mount is illustrated as coupled to a
right side of the wheelchair, although the motorized mount may be
alternatively mounted on a left side of the wheelchair in other
embodiments. The motorized mount includes an attachment assembly 22
which attaches to the side of the wheelchair as shown, an
attachment assembly to an arm 17 via a first hinge, a first motor
assembly 20 which connects to a first end of the arm 17 to rotate
the arm in a horizontal plane, a mounting assembly connected to a
second end of the arm via a second hinge, the mounting assembly can
be configured to receive a computing device such as an electronic
tablet, a second motor assembly 21 to rotate the mounting assembly
in a vertical fashion (i.e., tilt), and an electrical control
assembly operatively connected to the motors. In some exemplary
embodiments
[0078] FIGS. 40-42 show the motorized mount in a stored position,
with the top edge of the mount 10 positioned below the seating
surface. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the linear actuator 32 may
first be activated by the control assembly 24 to drive motors,
thereby rotating the arm 17 and the mounting assembly 22. In some
exemplary embodiments, the mounting assembly can be a table having
a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 39. As shown in FIGS. 30 and
31, in the next step, the first motor 20 and second motor 21 are
driven to rotate the arm 17 (horizontally) and the mounting
assembly 22 (vertically). The first motor can be used to rotate the
arm 17 and outer assembly around a first axis, wherein the first
motor allows for a rotation around the vertical axis in about
360.degree.. The second motor 21 can be used to rotate the mounting
assembly 22 around a horizontal axis to adjust the orientation of
the mounting assembly based on a user's preference or based upon a
pre-set determination. As shown in FIG. 40-46, the first motor
completes rotation to 180 degrees and the second motor completes
rotation to 90 degrees as shown so the mounting assembly is in a
flat position.
[0079] FIGS. 47-49 shows a similar motorized mount system but with
a shorter mounting arm 15 and a longer L-shaped second tilt arm 17.
This L-shaped arm embodiment enables the system to be positioned
vertically higher over the seating system so the system can rotate
above the users' thighs. The clearance between the bottom of the
second arm and the user's thigh is an important design and
adjustment consideration.
[0080] FIGS. 50-52 illustrate a further embodiment wherein a
four-bar linkage 16 is attached between the attachment mechanism 14
and the first motorized arm 17. In some exemplary embodiments, the
four-bar linkage assembly 16 can be coupled between the attachment
mechanism 14 and the mounting arm 15. In other embodiments, the
four-bar linkage 16 can be couple between the attachment mechanism
and the arm 17. This embodiment allows for height adjustability,
which can be driven by a linear actuator 18. A first end of the
linear actuator can be coupled to the attachment mechanism 14 and a
second end of the linear actuator can be coupled to a portion of
the four-bar linkage 16. FIGS. 50-51 show the motorized mount in a
lower stored position and 52 show the motorized mount in a fully
deployed position. As shown in FIG. 52, the linear actuator is
first activated by the control assembly to raise the motorized
first arm and the mounting assembly. The first motor 20 and second
motor 21 are driven to rotate the arm (horizontally) and the
mounting assembly (vertically) like other embodiments while the
linear actuator 18 continues to drive the sliding assembly until a
final height is reached, preferably above the user's thigh when
seated in the seating system. The first motor can complete a
rotation to about 180 degrees and the second motor completes
rotation to about 90 degrees as shown. Lastly, the second motor may
be further rotated up to an additional 90 degrees vertically based
on user input from a control switch operatively coupled to the
control unit to achieve a desired tilt or device viewing angle.
[0081] FIG. 38 illustrates an example of a circuit diagram 110 that
may be used to control system of an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure. A person having ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the circuit diagram may change depending on the
various embodiments of the motorized mount and the coupled seating
system. In one embodiment an input switch 120 is coupled to the
first motor assembly and limit switches 34 and 36, and second motor
assembly and limit switches 42 and 44 by relays. FIG. 38
illustrates relays 70, 72, 74, 76 that allow the first and second
motors, 20 and 21, to run in both forward and reverse directions.
Additionally, the input switch can be coupled to the actuator 32.
The input switch 20, the first and second motors 20, 21, and the
limit switches 34, 36, 42, 44 discussed above are all illustrated
in FIG. 38. The motorized mount 10 also includes relays 70, 72, 74,
76 that allow the first and second motors 20, 21 to run in both
forward and reverse directions. The input switch 120 is
illustratively embodied as a momentary single pole double throw
(SPDT) input switch 120 that controls whether the motorized mount
10 moves toward the retracted position, moves toward the deployed
position, or remains neutral or an intermediate position.
Similarly, the input switch could be a momentary double pole double
throw (DPDT) input switch 20 that controls whether the motorized
mount 10 moves toward the retracted position, moves toward the
deployed position, or remains neutral or an intermediate position.
In other embodiments, the user might instead utilize a sip and
puff, a brain-controlled interface, voice recognition, gesture
recognition, a touch screen interface, and/or other commercial
switches to control operation of the motorized mount 10. In any
case, the user's input will control the articulating arm assembly
motors via the relays 70, 72, 74, 76 and the limit switches 34, 36,
42, 44. When the arm assembly 17 is moving toward the deployed
position (as illustrated across FIGS. 1A-1F) by the arm 17, the
input switch 120 connects a diode 78 to the supply voltage (which
may be 10 V to 24 V, as noted above).
[0082] Similarly, the control unit 24 can include microcontroller
communicatively coupled to motor driver(s) that allow the one or
more motors, to run in both forward and reverse directions, which
in turn can extend or retract the respective actuators or rotation
assemblies. An input switch or motor driver may be communicatively
coupled to a third motor assembly, and a motor driver, or limit
switches and relays can allow for the motor to drive one or more
gear/motor assemblies to turn the table support arm 17 rotationally
360 degrees along an axis using the second motor 21. A second motor
assembly can turn the arm 17 along an axis about 360 degrees, or
about 270 degrees, or about 180 degrees. In one exemplary
embodiment, the mounting assembly 22 can be coupled proximate to
the end of the arm 17. Similarly, the arm 17 can extend the entire
length of the table portion to provide additional support. In yet
another exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly 22 can have an
integrated support arm that can be directly coupled to the second
motor assembly 21. As shown in FIG. 39, an electrical assembly 200
of the control unit 24 can include microcontroller(s) 101,
sensor(s) 103, motor driver(s) 105, and motors and/or actuators 20,
21, 32 to control the various elements and functions of the
motorized mount 10. The system can further communicate and/or be
electrically coupled to a user input controller system 90. FIG. 39
illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram(s) of the
electrical assembly 200 of an exemplary embodiment of the motorized
mount apparatus of the present disclosure.
[0083] The control system 90 can have a memory 92 and
microprocessor 94, where the memory can store one or more pre-set
configurations. The configurations can be manually altered or set
depending upon the desired positions by a user, using one or more
control switches 96. The switches 96 can be configured to pre-set
positions and/or allow for manual manipulation of the motorized
mount. Similarly, at least three pre-set positions can be set
including a first position wherein the mounting assembly 22 is
angled up facing a user in a seating assembly 12. A second pre-set
position can be a "stowed" position, wherein the mounting assembly
22 lies parallel to and proximate to the side rail 27 to remain out
of the way from the front of the user if the user does not desire
to use the mounting assembly 22 or device or to move in and out of
the seating assembly 12. In some embodiments, the attachment
assembly 14 can be coupled to a linear actuator to allow for
electronic driven movement of the attachment assembly 14 along the
horizontal axis formed by rail 27. This could allow a user to
electronically move the assembly in a horizontal manner when the
assembly was fully deployed. Alternatively, the attachment assembly
14 can be manually adjusted horizontally along the axis using any
other suitable means. A third pre-set position can include a
traditional position wherein the table surface 38 is facing upwards
and the user is in a reclined but not fully supine position.
Additionally, the one or more sensors 103 can be used to optimize
the position of the table portion relative to the user's position
in the bed or recliner 20. Additionally, the system 90 can use
various types of user feedback 300 to optimize the positioning of
the mounting assembly relative to the use.
[0084] The mechanism will move safely by mechanically and
electrically limiting the maximum transmission force and using one
or more sensors to detect contact with the environment so it will
not be able to cause damage to the user, bystanders, or nearby
equipment. In one exemplary embodiment, a torque limiter 77 or
mechanical slip clutch can be coupled to one or more of the motors
to limit the amount of force applied by the motors. A motor 20 can
rotate the arm 17 360.degree. around an axis. A shaft coupler can
couple the support arm 17 to the drive shaft 79. The drive shaft
can freely rotate within one or more bearing units 79. The bearings
can be any suitable type of roller bearing, such as ball bearings,
roller bearings or bushings instead. The shaft 79 can be coupled to
motor 21 via a mechanical SLIP clutch torque limiter 77. The torque
limiter is able to save space, however, other shaft couplers could
work. In some exemplary embodiments, the motor can use an absolute
rotary encoder 81 at the output after the torque limiter 77 since
the torque limiter can decouple the motor 21 from the output.
Alternatively, if a torque limiter is not included, a motor with a
built-in rotary encoder can be used.
[0085] Similarly, a pressure sensor can be used to monitor force
applied to an external object. Position sensors (e.g. potentiometer
or similar linear or rotary encoder) can be used for each degree of
freedom to control the systems 10 position and speed and prevent
unintended operation. Some exemplary embodiments of the motorized
mount assembly 10 can use IR break beam sensors along with IR
reflectors to help prevent portions of the assembly from coming
into direct contact with a user. A user can easily program pre-set
positions for rapid automatic positioning, such as automatically
positioning the device from the retracted to deployed positions.
The sensors can detect proximity or contact with the user,
bystanders, or other proximate elements in the surrounding
environment to prevent or minimize unintentional contact.
[0086] An exemplary embodiment of the motorized mount of the
present disclosure can include a plurality of freedom, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-37 and 40-52. The movement of the motorized
mount 10 may be partially or entirely controlled by the motors and
linear actuator(s) by the control unit 24. The movements can be
based on distinct degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom
shown between FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is a vertical movement of the
assembly 10 as powered by the linear actuator 18 of the parallel
linkage assembly 16 or the linear actuator of the sliding assembly
30. A second degree of freedom is illustrated between FIG. 1B and
FIG. 1C is the movement of the arm 17 up to 360 degrees of
rotational movement using the first motor 20. The second degree of
freedom can allow for the arm 17 to rotate around a central axis at
the hinge 60. A third degree of freedom is the mounting assembly 22
moving around a central axis as illustrated between FIGS. 1E and
1F. This degree of freedom allows for the mounting assembly 22 that
can include a personal computing device 8 to be tilted allowing for
better viewing angles by a user. A fourth degree of freedom can
include a horizontal movement of the attachment assembly 14 along
the side rail 27 of the chair 12. This can be adjusted to allow for
the mounting assembly to move closer or further away from a user
seated in the chair 12 when the motorized mount is fully
deployed.
[0087] The linear actuator 18, 32 can be configured to move the
mounting assembly in a first degree of freedom in a deploying
manner, wherein the first degree of freedom comprises the vertical
movement along a vertical axis. The first motor can be configured
to move the arm in a second degree of freedom along a horizontal
plane having about a 360-degree rotation movement around a vertical
axis formed at the first hinge. The second motor can be configured
to move the mounting assembly in a third degree of freedom along a
vertical plane having about a 360-degree rotation movement around a
horizontal axis formed by the arm.
[0088] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described
in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such an
illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and
not restrictive in character, it being understood that only
illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all
changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the
disclosure are desired to be protected. There are a plurality of
advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various
features of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.
It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the apparatus,
systems, and methods of the present disclosure may not include all
of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of
the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art
may readily devise their own implementations of the apparatus,
systems, and methods that incorporate one or more of the features
of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *